Big rise in women losing babies due to alcohol

WOMEN were today given a stark reminder over the dangers of drinking while pregnant.

New figures revealed 1,606 mothers-to-be in the capital were admitted to hospital for drink-related miscarriage last year. This represents a rise of 10 per cent in four years.

Nationally there has been a four per cent increase in alcohol-related miscarriages.

More than 9,000 women across Britain lost babies because of drink last year.

This is despite government messages warning women to abstain in the early stages of pregnancy.

Ministers today warned the figures are a "wake-up" call for all women who regularly drink too much.

Official advice from Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson is mothers-to-be should not drink at all, especially in the early stages of pregnancy.

Health minister Dawn Primarolo said: "Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should steer clear of alcohol."

Drinking heavily in pregnancy has also been linked to foetal alcohol syndrome.

This condition can leave children with features such as small heads and learning difficulties.